Equality Standard for Local Government

What is the Equality Standard for Local Government?

The Equality Standard is a systematic framework, which enables local authorities to mainstream equality into service delivery and employment.North Wiltshire District Council has adopted the Equality Standard for Local Government.

Will the Equality Standard help the authority meet its legal obligations under anti-discrimination law?

Yes.  The Equality Standard has been designed to help authorities conform to existing legislation and forthcoming extensions of the law.  It provides a basis for tackling all forms of institutionalised discrimination.

Does the Equality Standard address all equality issues?

Yes.  The Equality Standard has been extended to address 6 equality strands:-  age, disability, gender, race, religion/belief and sexual orientation.  The Council has included rural proofing as an additional strand of diversity within the Equality and Diversity Policy and Action Plan.  The inclusion of this area reflects the difficult challenges faced by our rural communities.

How many levels are there in the Equality Standard?

There are 5 levels within the Equality Standard that cover all aspects of policy-making, service delivery and employment:-

Level 1 - Commitment to a Comprehensive Equality Policy
Level 2 - Assessment and Consultation
Level 3 - Setting equality objectives and targets
Level 4 - Information systems and monitoring against targets
Level 5 -Achieving and reviewing outcomes

North Wiltshire District Council reached Level 2 in March 2007 following an assessment undertaken by the I&DeA who confirmed that the Council had fulfilled the level 2 requirements.

Who will be involved in implementing the Equality Standard?

Implementation of the Equality Standard will depend on a partnership between the Council and the community and should also involve:

Where can I access further information?

To access a full copy of the ‘Equality Standard for Local Government’ please see attached link http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/aio/6414524

For further information about the work the Council has undertaken in relation to Equality & Diversity please click on the link below.

More about Equality and Diversity

If you require any further information please contact:- Debbie Lardner, Human Resources Adviser on email: dlardner@northwilts.gov.uk Tel:- 01249 706346